After Mr. Tom Brokaw, the interviewer, pointed out that the Catholic Church feels strongly that life begins at conception, she replied, 'I understand. And this is, like, maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy,' " the release said.

Wuerl strongly disagrees.

He said, "We respect the right of elected officials such as Speaker Pelosi to address matters of public policy that are before them, but the interpretation of Catholic faith has rightfully been entrusted to the Catholic bishops. Given this responsibility to teach, it is important to make this correction for the record."

Wuerl pointed out that the Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear, and has been clear for 2,000 years. He cited Catechism language that reads, "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law.

Nancy has volunteered to help save the church as well, but when she applied to the Vatican, the pope’s secretary was rumored to have replied, “we have officially filled our quota of half-wit-grand-mums from California, but we do appreciate your interest.”

3
posted on 08/25/2008 10:35:51 PM PDT
by farmer18th
(Iraqi Nation Building GWB-Style: "No law that contradicts.. Islam may be established")

I do believe that only two bishops have specifically rebutted her remarks of yesterday. I hope and pray that more will jump in and denounce her lies about Church teaching on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program.

I hope I can be there when these abortion lovers are at the Pearly Gates trying to argue their position with God as to why they approved ending the life of thousands of His creations. Since Pelosi is a Catholic, obviously she believes in God. Although Nancy might have supported changing man’s laws to suit her political advantage, I am sure God does not think it prudent of her to try and change His.

15
posted on 08/26/2008 12:20:13 AM PDT
by CitizenM
("An excuse is worse than an lie, because an excuse is a lie hidden." Pope John Paul, II)

The following statement is from Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl:

On Meet the Press this past Sunday, August 23, 2008, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi made statements regarding the teaching of the Catholic Church, human life and abortion that were incorrect.

Speaker Pelosi responded to a question on when life begins by mentioning she was Catholic. She went on to say, And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the Church have not been able to make that definition... After Mr. Tom Brokaw, the interviewer, pointed out that the Catholic Church feels strongly that life begins at conception, she replied, I understand. And this is like maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy.

We respect the right of elected officials such as Speaker Pelosi to address matters of public policy that are before them, but the interpretation of Catholic faith has rightfully been entrusted to the Catholic bishops. Given this responsibility to teach, it is important to make this correction for the record.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church is clear: the current teaching of the Catholic Church on human life and abortion is the same teaching as it was 2,000 years ago. The Catechism reads:

Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception Since the first century the Church has affirmed the moral evil of every procured abortion. This teaching has not changed and remains unchangeable. Direct abortion, that is to say, abortion willed either as an end or a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. (Catechism, 2270-2271)

The Catechism goes on to quote the Didache, a treatise that dates to the first century: You shall not kill the embryo by abortion and shall not cause the newborn to perish.

From the beginning, the Catholic Church has respected the dignity of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death.

Wow! Did I see something that vaguely resembled a backbone growing in Wuerl?

Here's the problem: Pelosi, a Roman Catholic whose district includes most of San Francisco, said she has not encountered such difficulties in her church...I think some of it is regional, [Pelosi] said, It depends on the bishop of a certain region, and, fortunately for me, communion has not been withheld and Im a regular communicant, so that would be a severe blow to me if that were the case.

Frankly, I'm surprised Wuerl, devout Dem that he is, said anything at all (although you will note that he did not tell her she should not go to Communion or say anything that even implied this). I'd be truly stunned if her own bishop, Niederauer, even goes so far as to say anything.

The problem is that authority in the Church is extended through the bishops. If they refuse to act, while it is theoretically possible for the Pope to go out and do whatever he wants, it's very difficult and in practice usually doesn't occur. I am hoping that one of the other more orthodox and Rome-friendly bishops will address this problem (with both Pelosi and Biden) more forcefully, although what the bishops are doing now to avoid responsibility is simply claiming that unless this person lives in their diocese, it's outside of their control and there's no point in their getting involved. The only exception seems to be Chaput of Denver.

Well, I shouldn't be so negative. This may be a limited positive sign, but it's positive nonetheless, and maybe it means that the bishops are slowly coming to their senses (or getting enough pressure from Rome to make it happen).

About time the Catholic church stands up to those lying turds who say they are Catholic but fail to follow Catholic
doctrine.
Kennedy, Pelosi, John Kerry and so many more. Seems they are nearly all Dems too.

The Didache (first century A.D.) ""The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations.

Chapter 1. The Two Ways; The First Commandment1 There are two ways, one of life and one of death; but a great difference between the two ways. 2 The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, your neighbour as yourself; and all things whatsoever you would should not occur to you, do not also do to another. 3 And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you. For what thank is there, if you love them that love you? Do not also the Gentiles do the same? But do ye love them that hate you; and you shall not have an enemy. 4 Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If one give you a blow upon your right cheek, turn to him the other also; and you shall be perfect. If one impress you for one mile, go with him two. If one take away your cloak, give him also your coat. If one take from you your own, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. 5 Give to every one that asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he that gives according to the commandment; for he is guiltless. Woe to him that receives; for if one having need receives, he is guiltless; but he that receives not having need, shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what, and, coming into straits (confinement), he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape thence until he pay back the last farthing. Matthew 5:26 6 But also now concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.

Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Gross Sin Forbidden 1 And the second commandment of the Teaching; 2 You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, Exodus 20:13-14 you shall not commit pæderasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, Exodus 20:15 you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is begotten. You shall not covet the things of your neighbour, Exodus 20:17 3 you shall not forswear yourself, Matthew 5:34 you shall not bear false witness, Exodus 20:16 you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. 4 You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued; for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. 5 Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. 6 You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbour. 7 You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life... ""

Pelosi, a Roman Catholic whose district includes most of San Francisco, said she has not encountered such difficulties in her church. I think some of it is regional, she said, It depends on the bishop of a certain region, and, fortunately for me, communion has not been withheld and Im a regular communicant, so that would be a severe blow to me if that were the case.

I'm assuming she's one Catholic who doesn't believe in God. Where does she suppose her communion comes from? Some corrupt priest in San Francisco?

Rush quoted her as saying that St Thomas Aquinas believed a fetus was alive only after three months. Well, that was the 13th century or so. Not much of an argument, unless you are prepared to hold that the earth is flat, too.

“This may be a limited positive sign, but it's positive nonetheless, and maybe it means that the bishops are slowly coming to their senses (or getting enough pressure from Rome to make it happen.”

Benedict XVI is the pressure being brought to bear. He is a gentle shepherd, but he is absolutely the Church's rottweiler. He can't excommunicate someone in another Archdiocese (he's only the Bishop of Rome), but he is the the “head” of faith and morals for the entire Church. Cannon Law is Civil Law on steroids.

He might have dropped the ball regarding music for the Papal Mass (not good), but if he has the spine to give Putin Pelosi who-for-and-what-not about her pro-abortion stance, then I’ll give him a thumbs up for that standing up for foundational Church teachings.

32
posted on 08/26/2008 6:33:01 AM PDT
by Convert from ECUSA
("When I was a boy, America was a better place" - Dennis Prager)

I'm glad to see the bishops getting a little more spine. I know folks are complaining that they're not doing more -- suppose they want Pelosi anathametized complete with bell, book, and candle extinguished on the ground -- but I'm glad to see them doing something.

Wuerl strongly disagrees. He said, "We respect the right of elected officials such as Speaker Pelosi to address matters of public policy that are before them, but the interpretation of Catholic faith has rightfully been entrusted to the Catholic bishops. Given this responsibility to teach, it is important to make this correction for the record."

I remember reading someone declaring quite authoritatively that this wasn't going to happen along with hyperlink support. Looks like he was wrong AGAIN.

I find it amazing that I posted a list of bishops statements, even a statement from Pope Benedict excommunicating anyone who supports abortions, and you are asking these questions about excommunication. Go back and read some of those links — they are all FR threads and will come up quickly.

Anyone who supports abortion by voting for someone who supports abortion has already excommunicated themself. The only way that person can again be communicated is by confessing this mortal sin, repenting, and promising to amend their actions/ways.

“Thats two bishops now” Make that THREE (tht I’ve read)... the Archbishops of Denver, Washington, DC, and New York. I hope one of them sends a letter to MTP/Brokaw to correct her statement, and that’s read on-air this coming Sunday.

This is two election cycles in a row where an apostate Catholic has been on the national tick of the Dems. TIme for the Church to speak up.

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